Gambling Laws Update in England

England intends to develop new gaming laws. MMO’S (Massive Multiplayer Online Games) like the online game Lord of the Rings soon may get a new classification. It may be redefined as official online gambling sites under the remaining requirements of the Gambling Act 2005

With the new laws, any games which make use of both chance and skill to win a prize will get under a single definition for gambling. The Gambling Act understands through ‘prizes’ any cash, products, and virtual prizes that hold monetary worth. Also, ‘games of chance’ represent any games in which are involved both chance and skill, or represents the games in which superlative skill can eliminate chance.

So, if the new laws will be applied, all MMO games that offer prizes or run competitions will be treated under the same conduct as any other online gambling sites. This means that all MMO games will be subject to the laws and penalties as these more traditional forms.

To apply to the requirements of the new laws, MMO operators will need to sort out ways, as difficult as they may be, for obtaining an official gambling license from the Gambling Commission. This way they will steer clear of prosecution. Alex Chapman of Law firm Campbell Hooper agreed that this it won’t be for sure a simple task, “but it is also not overtly complex” he said.

The revision of the new laws plans to guarantee a better online gambling such as fair and open gambling, protection of children and vulnerable persons, as well as the prevention of links between crime and gambling. The act is intended to legalize the online gambling industry, which companies will be able to run within the United Kingdom for the first time.

Chapman said that the main purpose is to update the gambling law, which is inadequate for the modern world being in some cases over 50 years old. The law is expected to come into effect starting September 2007 and at that time some MMO operators may have their games deemed illegal.

Chapman’s recommendation for all MMO game’s operators is to seriously consider applying for a license. Since playing at an illegal gambling site could lead to criminal offense, starting September, for sure more and more MMO fans will check for the game’s license.